Chile's Finest

Paul,

I'm in Ed's camp on the wines of Chile, though I have had good success with both South African and Argentenian Malbec. I picked up some of the Clos Aplata a few years back on the recs for several friends, but have not tried any yet - seems that I have both the '00 & '01. I've done several winemaker dinners sponsored by Casa Lapostelle, and had tasted their "best," then. Underwhelmed was my accessment, but I still bought the Clos Apalta, just in case. To date, I have had but one Chilean that I would buy again. Based on your observations on the '01, I'll crack open a btl of the '00 and do some TN's on it. I keep trying Chileans, most provided at no-charge by distributors, or retailers, and keep hoping... but so far, pretty much in vain.

Hunt

Gotta go with Ed, myself. The last Chilean wine I got excited about was a 1992 Santa Rita Reserve cab. I didn't know much about wine back then, but I knew it was better than the plonk I'd been drinking. And it was only $10 a bottle. Today the 2002 SR Maipo Reserve is selling for under eight bucks, and the '02 SR Medalla Reserva (WS-89) is $14.

On the other end of the scale: One of my accomplices in wine crime was gifted a bottle of 2003 Montes Alpha 'M', and was airing it out when I arrived at his place. The Spectator gave 'M' 94 points and a "Highly Recommended" rating.(They did not, however, rate in their Top 100.) I gave it a C- and a "Save your money." Aside from some nice cherry overtones in the nose -- and that was only if you swirled the heck out of it in a very large glass -- it didn't do anything for me. I found the alcohol dominating (14.8%), and the rest of it flat and uninteresting.

I've had one S. African wine I liked, but I'll be darned if I can recall the name. (I think it started with a K.) It was recommended by a staffer at Martin Wine Cellar in New Orleans four years ago. I raised my eyebrows at the $4.99 price tag, but it turned out to be rather decent.

JJ

Knowing the wine (although not this patricular vintage) this VERY MUCH looks like a fruit scalped wine due to low-level TCA cork taint.

Give it a second chance!

M.

skrev i melding news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

Would that be the Kanonkop? A rather nice one, I've heard. Anders

Nope, that's not it. Wish I could recall. But thanks for thrying.

JJ

Thanks, Michael. I'll pass your comments along to my buddy, too.

JJ

How about Kumala??

I just found out about this one in Houston over Thanksgiving.

We really enjoy their Chardonnay... about $6

JJ,

The '99 Santa Rita Casa Real was the ONLY Chilean that I've yet tasted (Casa Lapostelle Clos Apalta will be tasted soon), and would buy again. After discussion with the Sommelier at a French restaurant in Mayfair, a bottle was brought out and I had to eat my words, "I've never tasted a Chilean wine that I would pay for... " In my case, this was a wonderful wine to accompany CROW. With the recs and hype surrounding the Clos Apalta, I may now have two, but out of so very many, that isn't a high percentage. I guess they are out there, and I do not go directly looking for them, but have had dozens, and all but one left me scratching my head.

Re the South African wine, Cab, blend?

Aside: when in NO, I always stop by Martin's and have ALWAYS gotten great advice to match their service. Did either store make it through Katrina, and the aftermath?

Hunt

I had a dynamite Montes Syrah this week, apparently it made Wine Spectator's top 100 wines of 2005. Amazingly full bodied, lush, dense, oaked, very well done. For $16. Unbelievable.